Heat - On Bill Gates, Off Leon Black

"Bill Gates's younger Russian 'lover' and her links to notorious Kremlin spy Anna Chapman"

 That is the headline in Daily Mail, May 26, 2023

This story started with the media report that convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein tried to shake money from Gates in exchange for keeping his relationship with Russian bridge whiz Mila Antonova secret. 

Of course, in itself that has revealed that Gates' association with Epstein had been more entangled than previously assumed. And in itself that's bad for Gates who had made a remarkable reputational recovery from his divorce and what came out in that. He’s right up there in with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon in business media pontificating about the present and future.

But now the scandal has deepened. It could be one of national security and be labeled “KremlinGate And Gates”

This is no longer just about being among Epstein's homeboys. Here's the deal: Antonova associated with Anna Chapman, daughter of a KGB officer. For years, Daily Mail states, Chapman had been part of a group of Russian spies who conducted undercover assignments in the US. 

The issue is raised: Had there been a plot to suck Gates into all of that for access, information, and/or insight? And did he fall for it? Or, horrors, perhaps it could be alleged that he willingly participated. What could be on a lot of minds is "pillow talk." What could have gone on in that?

As they say on the street, the heat is on and it’s on Gates. In a major way. Will he be hauled in before government authorities in the US for interrogation? 

There is the old joke that only one entity can occupy space at one time. The classic example are the dynamics in a psychiatric facility. Among the residents there can be only Jesus Christ. Others will have to search for another identity such as John F. Kennedy or Steve Jobs.

Given that, the heat should be off Leon Black. Co-founder of alternate asset management firm Apollo he had been a primary target for vilification of Epstein Everything. However that spotlight has widened to include myriad others. They range from a top lawyer at Goldman Sachs to the president of a college. Those who went after Black with such intensity should be looking very foolish. Hell, there were bigger fish out there and the front lines of rectitude didn’t cast their nets wide enough.

In addition, timing is everything. During the time of the Epstein pile-on, Black's former mistress Guzel Ganieva filed a lawsuit alleging a number of nasty things. Those included sexual misconduct. This week a judge threw out the litigation. The main reason for the decision was that Geneva had signed the NDA. Incidentally, a rising tide lifts all boats. Black's lawyer on that matter - Susan Estrich - will be in more and more demand.

Obviously, Gates requires another round of aggressive reputation-restoration. Meanwhile, Black can kick off his campaign to reset his brand. He needs to create a fresh presence in the world of movers and shakers. That's exactly what I advise those I coach who have been caught in the force field of scandal: Put in play something new.

Black's first step could be putting together a memoir titled "Far From Perfect." The tone can be earnest, but ironic. That cool will position him to be sought after as a guest on high-profile venues such as "Today" and "60 Minutes."

In addition, in the process Black, a smart guy, can establish a breakthrough model for a comeback. That could transcend what Steve Jobs and Mike Milken had conjured up. The human species consists of a bunch of screwups. What Black comes up with can be just the ready-made platform we need for a second, third, or more chances.

 What is your career story? Or, what do you assume it is? That narrative may be ot-of-date and holding you back.

Take advantage of a complimentary consultation. Please contact intuitive career coach Jane Genova at janegenova374@gmail.com or text 203-468-8579.